ShiningIce said:
What exactly is Force Recon???
I couldn't tell you much about Recon, except that I fix their equipment (I swear, those guys cannot turn a volume switch without snapping it!), because I'm a tech. However, here is some information I acquired about Force Recon as it appears from
www.forcerecon.org :
Mission and Training
The Force Reconnaissance mission is to plan, coordinate and conduct amphibious reconnaissance, deep ground reconnaissance & surveillance, battle space shaping, and limited scale raids in support of the MEF (Marine Expeditionary Force), MAGTFs (Marine Air Ground Task Force), or a JTF (Joint Task Force). The mission essential tasks are:
Conduct amphibious reconnaissance and deep ground R&S (Reconnaissance and Surveillance)
Conduct specialized terrain reconnaissance
Assist in specialized engineering, NBC (Nuclear, Biological and Chemical), Radio and Mobile Reconnaissance missions
Implant and/or recover sensors and beacons
Conduct ITG (Initial Terminal Guidance) for helicopters, landing crafts, and parachutists
Engage selected targets with Naval, Air and Ground guided support (Laser Guided Missiles, Artillery, Naval Gunfire, etc...)
Conduct post-strike reconnaissance (Battle Damage Assessments)
Conduct limited scale raids (destroy critical enemy targets, gas and oil platforms (GOPLATs), Military Interdiction Operations (MIOs), capture selected enemy personnel, and recover sensitive items / personnel)
Conduct other operations as directed
Force Recon training falls into two categories: Deep Reconnaissance and Direct Action (DA) missions. Each platoon goes through a two year work-up cycle to include: 6 months Individual Training Phase, 6 months Unit Training Phase (Deep Reconnaissance), 6 months MEU (SOC - Special Operations Capable) (Direct Action) Training Phase, and the 6 month MEU (SOC) Deployment. Upon return the platoon has a Post Deployment Phase where they prepare for the next work-up cycle. Post deployment can last three to six months.
The Individual Training Phase is where the Marines go to their specialized reconnaissance schools. Prior to deployment, each Marine in the platoon will go to the Basic Reconnaissance Course, Airborne School, the Marine Combatant Diver School, and SERE (Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape) School. Upon completion of their first float Marines can be selected to go to the advanced reconnaissance schools to include but not limited to: Ranger, Pathfinder, EMT, Military Freefall, Jumpmaster, Applied Explosives, and the Mountain Leaders Course (Winter and Summer).
The typical Unit Training Phase consists of the following training packages: Long Range Communications, Advanced Parachute/HAHO, Amphibious Recon, Combat Dive, Weapons and Tactics, Combat Trauma, Desert Patrolling, Mountain Patrolling, and Long Range Patrols.
The MEU (SOC) Training Phase consists of the Explosive Breaching Course, Close Quarter Battle Course, GOPLAT training, VBSS (Shipboard Visit Board Search and Seizures). During the TrUE (Training in an Urban Environment) training packages, the platoons can train in a variety of missions to support the MEU (SOC). The MEU (SOC) Missions include:
Amphibious Raids
Non-Combatant Evacuation Operations (NEO)
Reinforcement Operations
Security Operations
Humanitarian Operations
Seize Airfields and Ports
Conduct Counter Intel Operations
Signal Intelligence / Electronic Warfare
Direct Action Raids Maritime Interdiction Operations
Gas and Oil Platforms
Recovery Operations
Clandestine Recon and Surveillance
Specialized Demo
TRAP (Tactical Recovery of Aircraft and Personnel)
Did you sign up to be Force Recon, or is that what your friend does?
